The warm summer weather beckons us to spend more time in the great outdoors. Many of us may invite family, friends, and neighbors over for an outdoor meal. Instead of firing up the backyard grill, grab a blanket, pack a cooler, and head to a local park for an outdoor summer picnic. Here are five simple tips to plan and prepare for a delicious summertime picnic. 
 
#1 Pick a Picnic Spot

When selecting the ultimate picnic spot, do some research to find the best picnic spots in your community. Talk to family, friends, and neighbors to get their recommendations, or check out your local park district website for some of the best picnic spots near you. If you are not close to a local park, get creative and consider having a picnic in your very own backyard.

#2 Pack Accordingly
 
You can never be too prepared when packing for a picnic, so be sure to pack extra utensils. Bring items like bug spray, extra sunblock, and fun activities like a frisbee or football so picnic-goers can play a fun game of catch in between bites.

#3 Plan a Menu

To prevent any food safety concerns, pack a picnic that is largely based on foods that are safe to eat and enjoy chilled at room temperature. Think of foods like some of the following:
 

• Almond flour crackers
• Chips, guacamole, and salsa
• Cookies
• Fresh fruit, which can be used to make a batch of these Cake and Fruit Kabobs
• Handcrafted granola
• Homemade hummus paired with a box of Veggie Pita Crackers
• Individual packets of nut butter to pair with fruit and veggie slices
• Mason Jar Salads
• Nuts and seeds
• Organic Seed Flour Crackers
• Plant-based jerky
• Popcorn
• Pretzels
• Trail mix. Choose from salty and sweet or kick up the heat with this Spicy Maple Cheddar Trail Mix recipe
• Sandwiches
• Soft Baked Bars
• Sweet Thins paired with a jar of Organic Frosting for dipping
• Vegetable sticks, which are perfect for creating individual Nut Butter Snack Packs

Bring a variety of beverages including plenty of water so your entire picnic party can stay well hydrated on those hot and humid summer days. You can also get creative with some fun handcrafted summertime mocktails for both adults and kids to enjoy.


#4 Something Sweet

Keep things light on a warm summer picnic with frozen fruit, like berries and grapes or fresh apple slices with a delicious dip like this Peanut Butter Fluff Dip. Enjoy a few summertime favorites like fresh farmers' market cherries or watermelon slices. Need some delicious dessert inspiration? Check out our arsenal of recipes.

#5 Clean Up

Keep the picnic clean up easy by packing a low-waste lunch or go completely plastic-free. By utilizing reusable cups, plates, napkins, and silverware, you can greatly reduce any picnic waste. However, you should still come prepared with bags to collect any compost, recyclable items, or garbage, just in case.

Celebrate the flavors of the summer season with family, friends, and neighbors by hosting a more mindful summertime picnic using these five tips.